The Ohio State recruiting class of 2009 has grown to 19. Sources confirmed to Scout.com that Carlos Hyde committed Sunday, as he hinted he might in earlier interviews.

A four-star prospect from Naples, Fla., Hyde is rated the No. 1 fullback in the nation, but he told BuckeyeSports.com in a previous interview that the Buckeye coaching staff plans to use him as a running back, a la current Buckeye Chris “Beanie” Wells and a long line of former Buckeyes such as All-Americans Eddie George, Keith Byars and Jim Otis.

Given the current makeup of the verbal OSU class of ’09, the 6-0, 225-pound Hyde could be “Mr. Inside” while the role of “Mr. Outside” goes to Jordan Hall, a 5-9, 185-pound, four-star running back from Jeannette, Pa., who committed to Ohio State in April.

Ohio State also is known to be in pursuit of at least one more running back for this class, namely five-star prospect Jaamal Berry of Miami, Fla.

Hyde has done little to keep his affection for the Buckeyes a secret. He told NoleDigest.com in March, “Ohio State was a dream offer,” and revealed that he nearly committed upon receiving it.

He told BuckeyeSports.com in June that his visit would likely yield a commitment, and Sunday he followed through.

Hyde is the 12th Buckeye recruit for 2009 to garner at least four stars in Scout’s newly updated rankings.

http://ohiostate.scout.com/2/764149.html